Darrell K Royal, who coached the Longhorns to three national titles and became the biggest college football icon in a state that worships the sport, has died at age 88.On the field, Royal was known for his play-calling genius, taking the biggest of risks in the biggest of games and coming out a winner more often than not. Off the field, he rose from humble beginnings during the depths of the Depression to become a homespun populist rivaling Will Rogers.Royal was the winningest coach in University of Texas history, compiling a 167-47-5 record in 20 seasons from 1957 to 1976, and his name has been synonymous with Longhorn football for a half-century. Today, the Longhorns’ 100,000-seat stadium bears his name.He is survived by his wife, Edith, and a son, Mack. Two of his children, Marian and David, preceded him in death.In recent years, the legendary coach battled Alzheimer’s disease, but he did make one last appearance at a Longhorns football game this season, participating in the ceremonial coin toss before the Longhorns’ win over Wyoming.In February, Edith Royal announced the creation of the Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease in an emotional appearance in the Texas Senate chamber. There, with her husband at her side, she spoke of the impact of the disease on her family and praised the support of their Longhorn family. ::snipping2::

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" Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts." - Daniel Moynihan

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The University of Texas says former football coach Darrell Royal, who won two national championships and a share of a third, has died. He was 88.UT spokesman Nick Voinis (VOY'-nes) on Wednesday confirmed Royal's death in Austin. Voinis did not immediately provide further details.

Royal suffered from Alzheimer's disease and recently fell at an assisted living center where he was receiving care. ::snipping2::The University of Texas released this statement Wednesday:Legendary Longhorns Football Coach and College Football Hall of Famer Darrell Royal has passed away in Austin, The University confirmed today. He was 88 years old.

Royal, whom the UT football stadium is named for (Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium), is the Longhorns all-time winningest coach. He posted a 167-47-5 record from 1957-76, won three National Championships and 11 Southwest Conference titles.

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" Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts." - Daniel Moynihan

Published on Nov 8, 2012 by TexasLonghornsVideoLonghorn Network looks back at the life and legacy of legendary Texas Football coach Darrell K Royal, who passed away Nov. 7, 2012, at the age of 88.

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I stand with the girl, Natalee Holloway.

"We won't give up on you, Natalee. You didn't give up on us, and we will continue with the investigation until we have all of the answers to your disappearance. God be with you my Natalee!" Dave Holloway ARUBA